Group assumes role in fighting terrorism

With the nation still facing the threat of outside attack, the city of Agoura Hills has expanded its emergency preparedness to include terrorism training.

A Jan. 17 Community Emergency Response Team meeting featured a presentation by Sgt. Jim Royal of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station and an overview of how the county handles emergencies, including terrorist attacks, and how CERT members would respond to such an emergency.

A terrorist attack would be handled by CERT members in much the same way as earthquakes, fires, landslides and floods.

Royal, who previously served on the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Bureau/Los Angeles Terrorism Early Warning Group Custody Division, discussed the role of CERT members in emergencies.

"The initial role of a field operator is to provide disaster intelligence," Royal said. He said CERT members need to be the "eyes and ears" of the community before search and rescue teams are deployed.

After surveying their own neighborhoods for damage, CERT members are trained to fan out throughout the city to assess critical facilities, including schools, hospitals, bridges and main roads leading in and out of the city, Royal said.

Barbie Bridge joined CERT three years ago. Having lived in Oklahoma City during the 1995 bombing of the federal building, Bridge said she understands the need for residents to get involved.

"I was there at ground zero," Bridge said. "(The catastrophe) got me to want to do community service."

During a "big event," Royal encouraged volunteers to see the "bigger picture." He outlined the flow of information from volunteers to officers in 15minute increments. Within 15 minutes of a disaster, Royal said the watch commander at the Lost Hills station should have an early report on the damage.

Fortyfive minutes after a disaster, the information gathered should have been used to create a "city status report."

Team members are trained in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical intervention, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology and preparation.

During the seven-week class, members learn how to identify different types of terrorist weapons and analyze risks and threats.

The changing face of terrorism makes combating the threat difficult, Royal said. Many disparate groups are connected and individuals with terrorist tendencies make the job difficult. Terrorists, Royal said, are not just operating overseas, "they're here."

"The real enemy is extremism in any form," Royal said. Extremism is not seen only in Islamic groups. He said there are extreme Israeli groups and other religious sects intent on terrorism.

"The epic nature of this battle is religious overtones," Royal said. "It ramps everything up."

To combat potential threats, groups including the FBI, local cities, police and fire departments and public health and safety agencies will attempt to work together.

The networked approach has led to "terrorism liaison officers" at every fire and sheriff's station.

Royal credited Lt. John Sullivan of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for creating an integrated system in the fight against terrorism.